Principals Report

We are at the halfway mark of the term and although we have already experienced many amazing events, we still have many to come that I would like to bring your attention to throughout this newsletter piece. Before I get to that, I would just like to thank all those involved in our Feast of the Assumption Mass with Sacred Heart College last Friday. This Mass provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the significant role model Mary (the mother of Jesus) provides us as Christians. I thought Fr Michael’s homily outlining the lessons we can learn from Mary’s love and devotion was really powerful. Mary’s courage to say ‘yes’ to God and her unwavering faith throughout her life should be an inspiration to us all. Thank you to Mrs McInness and all our students who were involved in leading this mass.

Please continue to keep our Yr3 students in your prayers as they prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which will take place on Tuesday 16th September. These children will be presented to the parish at mass over the next two weeks. This is a wonderful experience, and I know the parishioners really enjoy the opportunity to pray for and support our Sacramental children throughout their faith journeys.

Also last Friday, our students spent a session with ‘Real Pigeons’ author, Andrew McDonald, learning what is takes to write and publish books. Andrew was entertaining, and upon leaving at the end of the day, spoke so highly of our students and their engagement with what he had to share. Thank you to Mrs Leary for organising this experience for our students.

I really enjoyed seeing all the families out and about on the weekend taking part in our Space Scavenger Hunt to celebrate National Science Week. Thank you to Mrs Whiteley (and her family) for setting up this wonderful extra curriculum experience for our children. And well done to those who braved the cold over the weekend!!

We have a bit going on in the next couple of weeks, and I would like to update parents on our Science of Learning information session with Jared Cooney-Horvath. We really want as many parents as possible to hear what Jared has to share about how we all learn, so these sessions (scheduled for Monday 1st September and Wednesday 17th September) will now be shared at school and online. We will continue to share information with you regarding these evernts, but please mark the dates in your calendars!

I would like to wish our Senior Boys Football team all the very best as they represent us at the State Level on Thursday. Our Senior Netballers will do likewise in Week 7! An incredible achievement for both teams.

The Victorian Dental Van will be visiting on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Not to be confused with the Australian Dental Van that will be visiting later in the year. Please contact Robynne if you have any questions about which van you have booked into.

As per our SunSmart policy, now that we have days with the UV consistently over 3, we will again be requiring students (and teachers) to wear a hat during recess, lunch and Sport lessons. Those who are without a hat will be directed to the undercover basketball area. Classes are equipped with sunscreen and will remind students to apply this at appropriate times throughout the day. Families are welcome to supply their own sunscreen as well.

The staff are looking forward to sharing your child’s learning and development at next week’s Learning Conversations. Thank you for taking time to come into school and take part in these discussions.

I am looking forward to our Book Week Parade that will be held at 9am on Friday 29th August. I know the teachers are busy organising their costumes ... in particular Mrs Boyer!! Following the parade, the students will buddy up with another grade to complete book week related activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Boyer for the time and effort she puts in to provide our students with wonderful activities and alternate play options in the library. Every time I walk past the library, Lisa has a group of students all engaged in different literary, craft and creative activities.

Please make sure you have our ‘Sacred Heart R U Okay Day and Family Breakfast’ on Thursday 11th September marked in your diary! I have seen the menu, and it looks more like a high tea than a family breakfast!!

Thank you for the support parents provide us in maintaining high standards with our school uniform. I know it can be a battle to convince your child to wear all black shoes, all white socks, school coloured hair ties, no additional leg ins or accessories. We really appreciate you partnering with us in this area.

80 families have been randomly selected to complete the Orima School Survey.  This survey plays a vital role in helping us better understand perceptions of our school environment and learning experiences.  If you are one of the 'lucky' 80 families selected, could you please complete this short survey.  The data you provide will allow us to make improvements to our fantastic school.

And lastly, we have re-engaged with the local shire and Vic Roads to re-evaluate our drop off and pick up procedures. I know the 15mins at the end of the day can be a frustrating one for many parents (and townsfolk). I will keep you updated as these meetings progress.

Take care and God Bless,

Jarrod